Jinja, in the Near East of Uganda is one of Uganda’s most unique locations. Not only is it located close to Uganda’s capital city, Kampala (approximately 80 kilometres) It also sits astride both shores of the mighty River Nile. It is also host to the much-sought-after Source of the Nile, the world’s longest river.
Another reasonable portion of the city sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.
Jinja, no doubt, owes much of its beauty, excellent claimant and unique tourist attractions to its proximity to the Nile and Lake Victoria. Thanks to these two God-made wonders, Jinja, has earned itself an enviable reputation as East Africa’s Adventure capital.
Over the years, the Nile has not only remained the sight of splendour as it separates from Lake Victoria at the Source of the Nile, initially snaking its way across the dam lake formed by the two Kira and Nalubaale Hydro-Electricity Dams before it is spat out, in a spectacular white gush, that is sight to behold.
The powerful river then breaks into a series of rapids of varying strengths. These rapids are home to some of the world’s finest grade 5 white water rafting and other adventure activities such as bungee jumping, kayaking, and jet boating amongst other activities.
The River Nile banks have become a very inviting tourism hub with a number of magnificent lodges set up overlooking the Nile. The place remains canopied in the green foliage that has remained active for so many years past. There are trees that took it upon themselves to bend- branch deep- into the river. These have remained the friendliest for birds as they don’t have to struggle to dip their little beaks in the ever-flowing river.
You can always catch a boat cruise to take you along as you see the different bird species that rest in this hidden sanctuary. As you ride to the source, you cannot fail but appreciate the ease with which the river runs. Carrying with it the majesty that sprinkles serendipity to those who assail.
You can take part in the tubing at the Nile or go bungee jumping like we did during our stay which is run by the team at Bungee Uganda.
It costs Ugandans UGX 200,000 to take part. East African residents pay USD 140 while internationals part with USD 200. That amount gives one a chance to jump three times. The bungee is suspended 38 meters in space. One can choose to go down head first or ankle first.
Whichever option you choose, you have to brace yourself for an adrenaline experience as it gets exciting or frightening depending on how you take it in. To those who do not fear heights, this is such an inviting activity. However, if you like me, are only there to tick off boxes, you may have to garner al the courage in you to give it a try.
The easier way to prepare yourself for a good bungee experience, you may need to first try out zip lining at the Griffin Falls at Mabira forest which is about 30 kilometres away in Lugazi. Ugandans pay only UGX 60,000 to participate in the activity while visitors pay UGX 100,000.
The zip line is divided into seven different routes that you can try out. It is aver interesting activity which can be done in less than 30 minutes. However, some people still cannot help but spend as many as two hours.
The zip line, which has been actively running for the last seven years, is open to children as young as four years of age. It takes 120 kg as the maximum weight whereas bungee jumping only stops n 102 kg. However, each activity calls for an active preparation before they take the leap.
Jinja remains one of Uganda’s tourism hubs not only because of the Nile but also its proximity to Kampala. Jinja can be accessed through different routes of the country.
In addition, Jinja has a higher concentration of industries. In pre-independence Uganda, it was set out as the manufacturing hub. And because of this it attracts a number of people both for work and leisure. According to the Cross-Cultural, Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), Jinja is one of the cities whose historical past remains held together. The recent addition is the railway museum which tells the railways story from the early days when the railway line first extended to Uganda.
Jinja can be accessed by road via the famous Nile Bridge. It can be accessed through the Jinja airfield or by water via Lake Victoria from Ggaba landing site.
En route Jinja, one can take a drive through the sugar plantations in Lugazi which happens to be the same route to Griffin Falls. You can also stop over the tea plantations in Namagunga as you take a break at the Bannz Nile Grill which is on the highway.
Accommodation in Jinja is the easiest part of the trip as it comes with very many options from high-end hotels to simple Airbnbs.
The Nile has made Jinja to be the centre of activities with many coming off as extreme adventures for the revellers. The famous Nyege Nyege Festival has always found its home on the banks. Recently Vumbula Festival and Roast & Rhyme also crossed the Nile.
This is also attributed to the secure access that the old city is known for. Jinja is the centre of Busoga Kingdom and it is the seat of the Kyabazinga (the King of Busoga). It is the second biggest kingdom after Buganda and perhaps the second most influential too. However, because of industrialisation and proximity to the other parts of the country, it is home to people who speak different dialects which eases communication. As long as one speaks Lusoga (the main language), Luganda, Kiswahili or English, one can easily get along.
For a destination within an hour’s drive from Kampala, there are a lot of options.
To arrange customised staycations and or an adventure/holiday to any part of Uganda or East Africa, reach out to Executive Destinations and Experiences Limited (EDXTravel) today.
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